Structural basis for recognition of Co 2+ by RNA aptamers

摘要: RNA molecules are involved in numerous fundamentalcellular processes, such as replication, transcriptionand translation. Most recently, participation of smallinterfering RNA, microRNA and noncoding inthe regulation gene expression the developmentof variety organisms has been intensively investigated[1–3]. However, interaction withcellular components requires their proper folding intothe active structure. This process is facilitated by thepresence cations, polyamines mono-valent divalent metal ions [4,5]. Determination ofthe precise location inside RNAstructure important for a better understanding ofRNA interactions with other cell.Hence, many biophysical biochemical methodshave developed defining ligands thatcoordinate ions.The most informative methods, whichinvolve X-ray crystallography NMR spectroscopy,provide details structure metal-ion bind-ing sites coordination spheres [6,7]. Thedisadvantages NMRspectroscopy include problems respect to crystalli-zation need isotope enrichment resolvethe spectrum. Therefore, order gain glo-bal insight into ion–RNA interactions, it oftennecessary conduct structural studies ionbinding modes using biophysicalmethods simultaneously biochemicalapproaches.Metal ion-induced cleavage, an alternative approachof studies, frequently used identifythose stretches organization ofmetal ion binding site(s) solution. approach